Distributed thermal energy storage (DTES) provides specific opportunities to realize the sustainable and economic operation of urban electric heat integrated energy systems (UEHIES). However, the construction of the theory of the model and the configuration method of thermal storage for distributed application are still challenging. This paper analyzes the heat absorption and release process between the DTES internal heat storage medium and the heat network transfer medium, refines the relationship between heat transfer power and temperature characteristics, and establishes a water thermal energy storage and electric heater phase change thermal energy storage model, considering medium temperature characteristics. Combined with the temperature transmission delay characteristics of a heat network, a two-stage optimal configuration model of DTES for UEHIES is proposed. The results show that considering the temperature characteristics in the configuration method can accurately reflect the performance of DTES, enhance wind power utilization, improve the operation efficiency of energy equipment, and reduce the cost of the system.